Paul Kalanithi seemingly had a successful life all lined up before him. He is soon to complete a rigorous neurosurgery residency and has plans to assume a prestigious career as a surgeon-scientist. He’s married, albeit with some challenges. All the hard work, the sacrifices, and the grunt work were about to open a sustainable life filled with honors and impact. Then came a sudden lung cancer diagnosis.
Initially, treatment seemed to succeed. The genetics were favorable, and treatment worked. Paul found a longstanding, beneficient relationship with an oncologist. Paul was able to get back to his neurosurgery rotation. Even with diminished expectations, a somewhat normal life seemed to resume. Then, the cancer came back.
I’ll save the ending for you, but Paul turned to writing as a solace. An English major in college, he always aspired to become a writer at some point in life, so he would spend the rest of his days reflecting on life. Hence came this memoir.
After his relatively sudden death, his wife wrote an epilogue that brings closure to the entire endeavor – and to Paul’s life. Although any story ending in death is sad, she affirms the basic worthiness of Paul’s life and a well-lived life. The great irony of a surgeon helping people deal with life-and-death issues now having to deal with his own life and death – that’s the great appeal of this story. On top of that, Paul’s eloquence about life makes this account particularly noteworthy. It even has a mildly religious component. Any reader wanting to reflect on deep, meaningful issues through a unique voice should consult this work.
When Breath Becomes Air
By Paul Kalanithi & Lucy Kalanithi
Narrated by Sunil Malhotra & Lucy Kalanithi
Text copyright (c) 2016
Random House
Audio copyright (c) 2016
Random House Audio
ASIN B0191YTT70
Length: 5:35
Genre: Memoir, Healthcare
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